(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - As the weather gets cooler, people are turning on their heating systems.
Jason Wiersma of Always Ready Repair in southwest suburban Palos Park said if you have radiators, a few simple steps now can help reduce the risk of potential problems as the weather gets colder.
“First thing that you’re going to want to do is go down in the basement and check the pressure gauge. Make sure you’re somewhere between 10 and 20 (PSI). Then, what you’re going to want to do is leave the system off for a little bit, then turn it back on. Feel the radiators, make sure that they are heating evenly from top to bottom,” Wiersma said.
He said if radiators aren't heating up evenly, that probably means there's air in the system that needs to be released.
“Most systems, the older systems, you can do it just by yourself. On either the right or the left, there will be a little bleeder valve. What you’ll do is get yourself a little radiator key, which most people have now if they have those radiators, and you’ll take a little tin, you’ll crack the valve until you hear all the air coming out of it. Once you hear all the air coming out, then you got some water, then you shut it down,” Wiersma noted.
If they’re not, you can try to bleed it and check for air. After that, set your thermostat. Keep all radiators clear from obstructions and enjoy the heat.”
He said radiators work best when they are free of obstructions, dust and dirt.
He also recommends having a professional check your boiler, so any issues can be found and fixed before they become bigger and much more expensive problems.
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